Prada will dress the first woman and the first POC to walk on the moon according to an announcement today.
In a stunning revelation at the International Astronautical Congress, Axiom Space and Prada introduced the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, destined for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which could take place as early as 2026 and will see mankind once again return to the moon.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fusion of fashion and technology, showcasing an innovative approach to next-generation spacesuit design.
Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the partnership, stating, “Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development, establishing new pathways to innovative solutions.” The AxEMU represents a departure from traditional designs, merging advanced engineering with the aesthetic sensibilities of Prada, thus setting a new standard for cross-industry collaboration in commercial space exploration.
While a dark cover layer concealed the suit’s proprietary technology during development, the final design will feature a striking white material. This choice not only reflects heat but also protects astronauts from the extreme temperatures and lunar dust they will encounter on the Moon’s surface.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Prada Group, expressed pride in this partnership, which embodies the brand’s ethos of pushing boundaries. “I’m sure we’ll continue to explore new challenges, broaden our horizons, and build new scenarios together,” he remarked, emphasizing Prada’s commitment to high-performance materials and innovative sewing techniques that enhance the suit’s functionality.
The collaboration involved extensive research and development, enabling Axiom engineers and Prada’s design team to create a suit that is not only protective but also visually inspiring, making it a beacon for future space exploration.
The AxEMU is an evolution of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU), providing astronauts with increased flexibility, performance, and safety. It is designed to accommodate a diverse range of body types and withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole, including extreme cold in permanently shadowed regions.
Featuring multiple redundant systems and an onboard diagnostic system, the AxEMU ensures the highest safety standards for astronauts. It incorporates a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system, advanced cooling technology, and custom gloves designed to enhance dexterity and performance.
Axiom Space has been at the forefront of redefining space exploration since being awarded its first Artemis task order in 2022, valued at $228 million. The AxEMU program exemplifies how the commercial space industry is forging non-traditional partnerships to enhance exploration capabilities. “We are pioneering a new era in space exploration where partnerships are imperative,” stated Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity at Axiom Space.
Extensive testing and simulations, including underwater trials to simulate lunar conditions, have brought the AxEMU closer to final development. The suit recently completed a successful pressurized simulation, marking a historic milestone since the Apollo era. Looking ahead, the AxEMU will undergo further testing, including crewed underwater evaluations and integrated tests with Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle prototypes.
